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Don Wright, former Sebastian vice mayor, 'strongly believed in free enterprise, reduced regulations and support of business development'

SEBASTIAN — Police Chief Michelle Morris remembers former council member and Vice Mayor Don Wright as a man of few words who always had the best interests of the city in mind.

Wright, 71, died Aug. 31 surrounded by his family, including his wife Beverly, whom he had been married to for 50 years.

“Don was a positive influence on the city of Sebastian and our residents by his representation on City Council for several years,” said Morris. “He was involved in various civic organizations and always looked out for Sebastian's future."

Wright served on the City Council from 2009 through 2013. He was vice mayor from 2010 through 2013. Current Councilman and former Mayor Bob McPartlan served with Wright and said he was a fantastic guy who worked very hard on behalf the city’s residents.

“It was a pleasure to serve with Don,” said McPartlan. “He was financially savvy and he brought that to the City Council. He was responsible for a lot of good things happening in this community.”

In addition to his work on the City Council, Wright owned Don Wright Real Estate LLC in Sebastian, concentrating his efforts on commercial real estate development. He also worked as a real estate associate with Exit Realty in Vero Beach from 2003 to 2007, and also with Goldsmith & Company in Vero Beach.

Prior to moving to Sebastian, Wright was the owner/captain of Wright Stuff Sport Fishing in New Jersey. He also worked for Aetna Property and Casualty Company from 1968 to 1981.

As vice mayor, Wright served as the liaison to the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of the Chamber Committee for North County business development. He was also a member of the Indian River County Economic Development Committee.

Beth Mitchell, President/CEO of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, said Wright was an integral part of the Sebastian Chamber for many years.

“He led the charge for small business and economic development in Sebastian,” said Mitchell.

She said his leadership pushed the city of Sebastian to adopt an economic development element of the city’s comprehensive plan.

"After the Chamber was successful in that effort, Don and I went to the city of Fellsmere, and worked with Fellsmere with the same results," she said. "He strongly believed in free enterprise, reduced regulations and support of business development."

When Wright ran unsuccessfully for re-election in 2013, he said he was a strong advocate for continued development at the Sebastian Municipal Airport because it attracted jobs and businesses to Sebastian.

He also supported annexation of commercial property along U.S. 1 to bring more businesses to Sebastian.